Robert Brand

Robert C. Brand: husband, father, civil engineer, cow whisperer, cattle rancher, mentor and friend extraordinaire", died on August 10th. Bob was a third-generation Longmont native by parents Rudolph, a veterinarian and Donna, an artist. He attended Lincoln, Central, and Longmont High Schools, from where he maintained many lifelong friendships. If you ask anyone to describe Bob, the first thing they'll mention is his big, welcoming smile. In between earning degrees from D.U. and C.U., Bob served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He conducted aerial missions from the South Pacific on the Aircraft Carriers U.S.S. Midway, Ranger, and Coral Sea. He married Patricia in 1966, and built their home in Longmont where their daughters, Danna and Lauren, grew up. Ahead of his time in eco-friendly construction (and also low on cash), he designed and erected the 6th “rammed-earth” house in the northern hemisphere. Its 14' thick walls saved their lives during a tornado that struck the home on June 4th. After the tornado, ever optimistic, Bob was heard saying: "Well, that's one way to get rid of the popcorn ceilings." As a founding partner of Rocky Mountain Consultants, Bob set forth the rules governing the company: "have fun, make money, and never embarrass your partners." The company provided engineering, land-use planning, surveying, drafting, secretarial and bookkeeping services. Under the leadership and hard work of Bob and his partners, the company grew from 8 to over 200 employees, with offices in Longmont, Denver, Boulder and Estes Park. Bob said the secret to running a successful business is to "hire people who are smarter than you, then leave them alone." Bob served as engineering consultant for the City of Longmont for over 30 years. He completed myriad projects, including design and construction of Spring Gulch Linear Park and the Wade Gaddis Water Treatment Plant. He provided engineering expertise for several surrounding cities, including Louisville, Lafayette and Evans; also Boulder County Parks and Open Space. He was instrumental regarding the use and valuation of water rights in the St.Vrain, Left Hand, and Boulder Creek basins. He contributed to Boulder County’s first open-space regulations. Bob was the engineering consultant for the St.Vrain & Left Hand Water Conservancy District and the District 6 Water Users, where he pioneered means of protecting all water users. He worked closely with Vern Golden on the design and reclamation of Golden Ponds, an expansive park that the Golden family would then donate to the City of Longmont for generations of residents to enjoy. An open house in Bob's honor will be held at The Callahan House, 312 Terry St., Longmont, CO., on September 11, 2015, from 3-5. Attire: Jeans are fine, you know Bob. The family requests donations be made to TRU Community Hospice Care in lieu of flowers. Service Information A service summary is not available